UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN

Transcription

1 UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN FACULTY OF SCIENCE GOVERNANCE AND COMMITTEES

2 Contents Page General Rules and procedures 3 1. Accreditation Committee 5 2. Animal Ethics Committee 7 3. Biological Safety Committee 9 4. Board of the Faculty of Science Communications and Marketing Committee Dean s Advisory Committee Doctoral Degrees Board: Committee of Assessors Equipment Committee Faculty Teaching & Learning Committee Health and Safety Committee Information Technology Committee Library Committee Master Degree Committee Promotion and Remuneration Committee Physical Planning Committee Readmission Appeals Committee Research Committee Research Ethics Committee 29 2

3 GENERAL RULES AND PROCEDURES The following functions, procedures and stipulations apply to all Committees in the Faculty of Science. Functions of the Committees: The functions of each Committee are as specified under the appropriate Committee headings in this compilation, and may be modified and updated from time to time with the approval of the Board. Composition and membership: The Dean is an ex officio member of all Faculty Committees. The composition and membership of all Faculty Committees is approved by the Faculty Board; this includes nominations made by the Dean on behalf of the Board. The composition and membership of each Committee is as specified under the appropriate Committee heading in this compilation and may be changed from time-to-time with the approval of the Dean on behalf of the Faculty Board. Should a vacancy arise in the membership of a Committee, the Chairperson of that Committee, in consultation with the Dean, nominates a replacement and must report all changes in membership to the Board. All Faculty Committees will have powers of co-option. Co-opted members are full members of Committees, but may not vote. Members of the Faculty Board may request a Chairperson to co-opt them onto a Committee in whose business they are interested. However, it is the Chairperson who decides whether the cooption is appropriate and functional. The total number of co-opted members may not exceed the number of regular members on a Committee. The Chair of a Committee may arrange a ballot, if necessary, to determine the co-opted membership of a Committee. The Chairperson and all members of a Committee are eligible for re-nomination and re-election, or co-option, for any number of terms, unless otherwise specified. The Dean will call annually for nominations from the Faculty Board to serve on Faculty Committees. Chairpersons: The Dean will nominate Committee Chairpersons from among the regular membership of a Committee. In the absence of the Chairperson, the Committee must appoint an ad hoc Chairperson from among the members of the Committee. 3

4 Terms of office: Unless otherwise specified, each Faculty Committee is appointed for a period of three years. Quorum and procedures: Unless otherwise specified, a quorum comprises half of the Committee membership in each case, but not including co-opted members. If a Committee meets without a quorum its decisions must be subject to ratification by the Committee at large. All Faculty Committees are answerable to the Board of the Faculty of Science. The Dean and/or Faculty Board may request a report on Faculty Committee activities from time to time. All documentation (aide memoires, notes, minutes) generated by Faculty Committees must be made available for scrutiny by any member of the Faculty Board, on request, through the Chair of the Committee, at any reasonable time. Any member of the Faculty Board may lodge an objection to the composition, procedures or decisions of any Faculty Committee. Such objections must be lodged with the Chairperson of the relevant Committee. If the objector(s) is dissatisfied with the ruling on any matter from the Chair of a Committee he/she may refer the matter to the Dean: (if the Dean is Chair, the matter must be referred to a Deputy Dean). The Chairperson of a Committee or the Dean may, from time to time, propose changes in the composition and functions of a Committee: all such changes require the approval of the Board of the Faculty of Science. Ad hoc Committees and Working Groups The Dean may constitute an ad hoc Committee at any time to consider matters of urgency, and/or matters that are not among the stated functions of the established Committees in the Faculty. Such matters may include the consideration and mediation of disputes. However, the Dean may constitute such ad hoc Committees to seek advice or guidance on any matter. The business of these ad hoc Committees will be reported to the most appropriate Faculty Committee or to the Board, at the discretion of the Dean. Any Faculty Committee may constitute ad hoc Working Groups, as necessary. Working Groups must report on their work and deliberations to the parent Committee. It may be necessary for Working Groups to assign certain functions to smaller expert teams or task teams. 4

5 1. ACCREDITATION COMMITTEE Status: The Accreditation Committee is a sub-committee of Senate. Purpose: To consider, and from time to time to review, all undergraduate offerings/curricula and postgraduate programmes/curricula, to ensure: that these are academically coherent and challenging, that due regard is paid to quality assurance, that appropriate mechanisms are in place to maintain and improve standards that they are compliant with HEQF requirements. Functions of the Committee: To screen all proposals for new or changes to courses and offerings/curricula prior to consideration by the Faculty Board, and to make recommendations to the Faculty Board. To advise the Dean on proposals for short courses, including continuing professional education courses, to be offered under the auspices of the Faculty or a department within the Faculty. The Committee will meet as necessary, as determined by the Chair Dean (ex officio) Undergraduate Deputy Dean (ex officio) Postgraduate Deputy Dean (ex officio) Assistant Dean (ex officio) Faculty Manager (Academic) (ex officio) Time Table Committee representative (ex officio) Senior Student Advisors Five Faculty Board members who are not programme conveners, nominated by the Dean One member of the Centre for Higher Education Development (CHED) Chair of Science Student Council (SSC) Chair of Science Postgraduate Student Association (SPGSA) The Dean s nominee. Servicing Officer: The Deputy Faculty Manager (Academic) 5

6 Membership: Professor S Bourne (Deputy Dean: Chair) Associate Professor J O Riain (Deputy Dean) Ms K Wienand (Faculty Manager: Academic) Associate Professor S Berman (Senior Student Advisor) Associate Professor N Ravenscroft (Senior Student Advisor) Professor J Bolton (Senior Student Advisor) Associate Professor C Gilmour (Senior Student Advisor) Associate Professor A Buffler (Senior Student Advisor) Associate Professor V Coyne Associate Professor MD Cramer Dr A Fagereng Dr A Schauerte Associate Professor C Thiart Associate Professor S Allie (CHED) Chair, SPGSA Chair, SSC 6

7 2. ANIMAL ETHICS COMMITTEE Status: Sub-Committee of the Board of the Faculty of Science Purpose: To regulate the use and care of animals in research and experiments so as to ensure the highest ethical standards for these activities Terms of reference: To control the use and care of animals used for research and teaching in the Science Faculty To ensure that animal experimentation takes place only where scientifically and ethically justifiable To ensure compliance with the University's code of ethics and procedures for the use and care of animals for teaching and research purposes, and ensure that quantifiable norms and standards are adhered to (see UCT research handbook for UCT Research Ethics Code for Use of Animals in Research and Teaching, and Animal Ethics link on Faculty webpage) To review all submissions to the committee that request ethics approval for the use of animals in teaching and research in the Faculty To ensure that the use, housing and care of animals for teaching and experimentation meets the most recent internationally-accepted standards for animal experimentation, as laid out in animal experimentation policies of the EU, Australia and the USA To ensure that the necessary permits have been obtained from the relevant authorities to capture or work on animals sources from the wild To ensure that the particulars of the species, number and origin of the experimental animals in each category of experiment are recorded in a register. A summary of this register to be reported to the Senate Animal Ethics Committee on an annual basis To ensure that researchers are adequately qualified/trained to perform the experiments To deal with protocol deviations, violations and alleged unethical treatment of research animals. Deviations, violations and allegations of unethical conduct must be reported to the Chair of the SFACUC, on the Protocol deviation form available on the FHS website The committee will meet twice annually to discuss items other than the routine evaluation of applications. The quorum for such meeting will be one committee member from each of the defined categories and the Chair. Minutes from these meeting will be recorded and submitted to the Science Faculty Office (Dean). Applications submitted to the committee are circulated as received to ensure rapid review. Where possible decisions will be by consensus at a quorate meeting, but otherwise by majority vote of those present. Should any member of the Science Faculty Animal Ethics Committee be dissatisfied with any of its decisions he/she may require the Committee to report the matter to the Dean of the Science Faculty. If the matter cannot be resolved in this manner, it can then be reported to the University Research Committee (URC), who will present the matter to the Senate Animal Ethics Committee for a final evaluation. 7

8 Any member of the University may raise any issue concerning the use of animals in experiments in the Science Faculty to the Science Faculty Animal Care and Use Committee. The Dean or his/her nominee Up to six academic members of staff appointed by the Faculty Board from departments which are involved in the use of animals for teaching and research The Director of the UCT Animal Unit (UCT Vet) A representative of an animal welfare organisation, appointed by mutual agreement between the Faculty and the organisation A member of a Faculty not involved in animal research Chair of Science Postgraduate Student Association (SPGSA) The Dean s nominee, selected from the committee by the Dean. The Chairperson serves also as a member of the Senate Animal Ethics Committee Membership: Dr Gary Bronner (Chair) [category A] Associate Professor R Ackerman [category B] Dr AD Amar [category B] Dr Dean Chapman (Humanities) [category D] Associate Professor L Gillson [category D] Associate Professor M Picker [category B] Dr B Mohr (UCT Vet) [category A] Dr N Parsons (SANCCOP animal welfare representative) [category C] Chair, SPGSA [category B] Terms of office: Staff three years; students one year 8

9 3. BIOLOGICAL SAFETY COMMITTEE Purpose: Activities involving hazardous biological agents are subject to the Regulations on Hazardous Biological Agents of the Health and Occupational Safety Act, All activities involving genetically modified organisms (GMO s) are subject to the Regulations under Section 20 of the GMO Act (Genetically Modified Organisms Act, 1997 (Act 15 of 1997) and the Genetically Modified Organisms Amendment Act, 2006 (Act 23 of 2006). Terms of Reference: To advise on and oversee all activities involving the use of, or potential exposure to Biological Agents and other biological materials within the Faculty, and to oversee Faculty compliance with all regulations pertaining to activities involving hazardous biological agents (HBAs) including genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The Faculty Biological Safety Committee shall report to the University GMO Committee and to the Faculty Board, via the Dean s Advisory Committee. The Chair of the Faculty Biological Safety Committee shall serve on the University GMO Committee. The committee will meet as necessary, as determined by the Chair, with a minimum of once per year. Dean (ex officio) Up to five members of the Faculty Board, nominated by the Dean One Scientific Officer from a Department involved in Molecular research The University Environmental Risk Officer The University Occupational Health Nurse Coopted specialist(s) as necessary The Dean s nominee. The chair serves as the faculty representative on the Senate GMO Committee Membership: Dr L Roden (Chair) Dr J Bishop Associate Professor V Coyne Dr P Meyers Dr Z Woodman Ms P Thompson (Principal Scientific Officer) Mr B Roden (Environmental Risk Officer) Ms S Key (Occupational Health Nurse) 9

10 Requirements: The Biological Safety Committee Chair must: Be familiar with the GMO (Contained Use) Regulations Ensure that each application is dealt with in an unbiased manner Provide technical advice regarding proposed GM projects Issue approval letters to the Principal Investigator following the successful submission of a GM risk assessment form to the Faculty Biological Safety Committee Issue rejection letters to the Principal Investigator following a Faculty Biological Safety Committee meeting and ensure that the risk assessment form has been amended as requested The Biological Safety Committee members must be/or become familiar with the following: GMO (Contained Use) Regulations Department of Agriculture s Guideline Document for work with Genetically Modified Organisms (2004) Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP) The management, design and operation of microbiological containment laboratories ISBN Regulations on Hazardous Biological Agents of the Health and Occupational Safety Act, All other relevant publications The Chair and members should: Have an understanding of the risks to both human health and the environment that may arise from the proposed GMO/HBA activity The Committee can seek confidential technical advice from sources outside the committee Check the accuracy of the risk assessment presented to the committee Review in detail GMO/HBA risk assessments presented to the Committee and advise accordingly Ensure the risk assessment has been completed in accordance with the GMO (Contained Use) Regulations and the Occupational Health and Safety Act (85 of 1993), Regulations for Hazardous Biological Agents (2001) Advise on the safety training requirements needed to carry out the work Consider whether the appropriate containment facilities, as indicated by the risk assessment, are available Keep projects discussed within the Committee confidential 10

11 4. BOARD OF THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE The Board of the Faculty of Science is a Committee of Senate. Functions of the Committee: The Faculty Board is responsible to the Senate for organising and controlling the teaching, curricula, syllabuses, examinations and research of the Faculty must make proposals to the Senate for rules prescribing the requirements for each degree, diploma and certificate offered in the Faculty, including the requirements for admission and readmission must advise the Dean of the Faculty on policy for resource allocation in the Faculty must carry out such functions as the Senate delegates or assigns to it is accountable to the Senate for its work may by resolution establish committees of the Faculty, and may appoint as members of such committees any people whether they are members of the Faculty Board or not. the quorum at a meeting of a Faculty Board is as decided by Senate from time to time: except that for the Board of the Faculty of Science it is not less than one-third of the membership of the Faculty Board ordinary meetings are held when and where the Senate decides special meetings are held: - when called by the Dean or Acting Dean; or - when a written request for a special meeting, stating the purpose of the meeting, is received by the Dean from at least ten members of the Board the Faculty Board decides its own rules of debate the ruling of the Chairperson on any questions of order or procedure is binding unless immediately challenged by a member, in which case the Chairperson must submit his or her ruling without discussion to the meeting, whose decision is then final and binding. The Vice-Chancellor and Principal (ex officio) The Deputy Vice-Chancellors (ex officio) The Professors in the Faculty The permanent full-time Associate Professors, Senior Lecturers, Lecturers, and Assistant Lecturers in the Faculty Student representatives Such other persons as may be appointed to the Board of the Faculty from time to time by Senate* * This category of members may include - permanent members of staff from departments in other Faculties and from inter-faculty units - permanent research staff in the Faculty - contract and temporary academic staff in the Faculty. The Dean of the Faculty is the Chairperson of the Faculty Board. He or she presides at all meetings of the Faculty Board at which he or she is present, and in the absence of the Dean, the Acting Dean will preside, and in the absence of both, the Faculty Board will elect a member to preside at the meeting. 11

12 Servicing Officer: The Faculty Manager (Academic) In Attendance: The Registrar or Deputy Registrar (Academic) Membership: Membership is reported to, and approved by Senate annually for the period 1 July - 30 June. The terms of office of members are uninterrupted until they either resign or leave the Faculty. Vice-Chancellor, ex officio Dr M Price Deputy Vice-Chancellors, ex officio Professor RT Nhlapo Professor S Klopper Professor C Soudien Professor D Visser Professors in the Faculty Statute - Chapter 28 (2) (a)(i) Heads of Departments in the Faculty Statute - Chapter 28 (2) (a)(ii) Permanent full-time Associate Professors Senior Lecturers, Lecturers and Assistant Lecturers in the Faculty Statute - Chapter 28 (2) (a)(iii) Student Representatives Statute - Chapter 28 (2) (a)(iv) Members Appointed By Senate Statute 28 (2) 12

13 5. COMMUNICATION & MARKETING COMMITTEE Purpose: To advertise and market the Science Faculty (in co-operation with the University Communication Department and the Admissions Office) to prospective students, the public and industry Functions of the Committee: to market the Science Faculty to prospective undergraduate and post graduate students. to motivate for funding, in support of these objectives, from the appropriate Faculty and University Committees and from external sources. to act as an interface between the Admissions Office, Science Faculty Departments, the Science Faculty Office and the Department of Communication. To arrange activities relating to marketing of the Faculty, such as Open Day, Science outreach days, etc. The committee will meet as determined by the Chair The Dean (ex officio) A representative from each department in the Faculty The Science Faculty Marketing and Communication Manager The Director, Career Development Programme, or nominee Representative from the Science Postgraduate Student Association (SPGSA) The Dean s nominee Servicing Officer: Schools Liaison & Recruitment Officer Membership: Dr F Eckardt (Chair) Associate Professor V Abratt Associate Professor R Ackermann Dr F Eckardt Dr A Hamilton Professor G Marsden Dr C Oliver Dr D Pillay Ms P Pillay Associate Professor D Reid Dr S Silaal Dr V McBride Dr E Fredericks Ms I van der Merwe (Career Development) Ms K Wilson (Faculty Marketing and Communications Manager) Member of the SPGSA 13

14 6. DEAN S ADVISORY COMMITTEE Functions of the Committee: to provide advice to the Dean on all matters of interest to the Faculty of Science in particular, to provide advice on staffing and other operational and budgetary matters in the Faculty to consider any item of business relevant to the Faculty that is a matter of policy and/or of importance to the Faculty to make proposals on the structures of internal governance and Committees in the Faculty to submit strategic and operational plans to the Faculty the Committee meets at least ten times annually, in each month of the year except the months of January and July an agenda will be provided for each meeting, but any matter of policy or matter of importance to the Faculty not on the agenda can be debated at a meeting without due notice, if agreed by the Chairperson the Dean may act without the advice of the DAC in taking decisions on urgent or relatively minor, uncontroversial matters related to staffing, operational and planning and the budget, but all such decisions shall be reported to the DAC. A standing sub-committee of the DAC, Exco, will meet weekly and advise the Dean on day-to-day operational matters. All such decisions shall be reported to the DAC. The membership of Exco shall comprise the Dean, the Deputy Deans, the Faculty Managers (Finance and Academic) and the Faculty Human Resource Adviser. The Dean (ex officio) The Deputy Deans (ex officio) All Heads of Department in the Faculty of Science The Academic Development Programme Co-ordinator in the Faculty of Science Chair of the Faculty transformation Forum Faculty Manager (Academic) Faculty Manager (Finance) HR Advisor The Chair of the SSC The Chair of the Science PGSA The Dean Servicing Officer: Deputy Faculty Manager (Academic) 14

15 7. DOCTORAL DEGREE: COMMITTEE OF ASSESSORS The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is not a Faculty degree. The PhD is administered by the Doctoral Degrees Board (DDB) which requires each Faculty to appoint a Committee of Assessors, to assess the examiners reports for each PhD candidate, for approval by the DDB. Functions of the Committee: to assess the examiners reports for all PhD candidates in the Faculty of Science and to make recommendations to the Doctoral Degrees Board. the Chairperson of the Committee shall read all examiners reports in respect of each PhD submission, and, in the case of a non-controversial decision (ie. all examiners in broad agreement), shall make a recommendation on the outcome of the examination to the Committee of Assessors, via a Chairperson s Circular. Should the Chairperson be in doubt, or should the examiners disagree, or should any member of the Committee of Assessors request it, a meeting of the full Committee shall be scheduled as soon as possible to debate a recommendation to the DDB to ensure continuity the Committee has a Core membership that attends all meetings of Committees of Assessors. These Core members should be Faculty members with proven experience as supervisors and examiners, and are to be appointed by the DDB on the recommendation of the Dean, for three-year renewable terms of office. Dean (ex officio) Four permanent Core group members The Head of Department, or if the Head of Department is a Supervisor/Core member, a nominee If required, one or two members with expertise in the subject area of the thesis The supervisor(s) as (a) non-voting assessor member(s) If a member of the COA is appointed as an examiner, his/her membership lapses and a replacement is appointed The Dean Servicing Officer: The Science Faculty Postgraduate Officer Membership (for each PhD examination): Professor A le Roex (Chair) Professor W Bond (Core) Professor S Bourne (Core) Professor G Janelidze (Core) Professor S Parnell (Core) The appropriate Head of Department (or nominee if HOD is a core member/supervisor) Co-opted experts as required Thesis supervisor(s) (assessor member(s) only) 15

16 8. EQUIPMENT COMMITTEE Purpose: To provide guidance on Equipment issues in the Science Faculty and advise the Dean on budget requirements. Functions of the Committee: to develop strategies aimed as ensuring that equipment, whether for teaching or research purposes in the Science Faculty is renewed and upgraded in a planned manner to consider and make recommendations to the University Equipment Committee in respect of Faculty equipment needs to serve as a channel of communication between the Faculty Board and the University Equipment Committee to advise the Dean's Advisory Committee with regard to the incorporation of equipment needs in annual Faculty budgetary exercises. The Faculty Equipment Committee shall report to the Faculty Board, via the Dean s Advisory Committee. The Chair of the Faculty Equipment Committee shall serve on the University Equipment Committee. The committee will meet as necessary as determined by the Chair. Dean (ex officio) Up to seven members of the Faculty Board, nominated by the Dean The Faculty Manager (Finance) (by invitation) The Dean s nominee Membership: Professor S H Richardson (Chair) Associate Professor A Buffler Professor G Jackson Associate Professor D Jacobs Dr S Rafudeen Dr A West By Invitation: Ms S Custers (Faculty Finance Manager) 16

17 9. FACULTY TEACHING & LEARNING COMMITTEE Purpose: To develop and promote strategy for the improvement of teaching and learning in the Faculty, including initiation of debate as and when appropriate, thus contributing to the Faculty s overall mission. Functions of the Committee: Some specific functions of the committee are to: Advise the Dean on all matters affecting undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the Faculty. Consider and advise the Dean on measures of the quality of teaching and learning in the Faculty and on student progression. Consider ways to enhance and improve the learning experiences of Science students. Promote debate and discussion within the Faculty on curriculum development through activities such as presentations and workshops on teaching, learning and assessment methods. Promote academic staff skills development particularly with regard to teaching, learning and assessment methods. The Committee will meet as determined by the Chair. Dean (ex officio) Assistant Dean (ex officio) Deputy Dean (Undergraduate matters) (ex officio) Deputy Dean (Postgraduate matters) (ex officio) Faculty Manager: Academic (ex officio) Director: Academic Development Programme (ex officio) A representative from each department, nominated by the Head of Department Two members of the Academic Development Programme (CHED) The Faculty Student Development Officer Chair of Science Student Council (SSC) Chair of Science Postgraduate Student Association (SPGSA) The chairperson may also invite suitably qualified Faculty Board or external university members to attend a specific meeting or to serve on particular working groups. The Dean s nominee 17

18 Membership: Associate Professor J Gain (Chair) Associate Professor V Abratt Dr J Frith Dr R Ingle Associate Professor S Lubbe Dr P Marais Professor J Midgley Associate Professor M Ramutsindela Dr G Venter Dr S Wheaton Dr E Bordy Dr I Ansorge Associate Professor P Woudt Ms B Krishna (Student Development Officer) Associate Professor B Davidowitz (CHED) Dr R Sithaldeen (CHED) Mr K Rafel (CHED) Chair, SPGSA Chair, SSC 18

19 10. HEALTH & SAFETY COMMITTEE Purpose: To provide oversight of Health and Safety issues in the Faculty of Science, to ensure that Health and Safety policies are adhered to and to investigate any Health and safety incidents that might occur. Functions of the Committee: to discuss, investigate and improve health and safety within the Faculty to improve and institute health and safety awareness within the Faculty. The Dean (ex officio) The University Health and Safety Manager (ex officio) A representative from each department within the Faculty of Science The University Occupational Health Nurse University Maintenance Manager Representative of the Science Postgraduate Student Association (SPGSA) Representative of the Science Student Council (SSC) The Dean s nominee. The chair serves as the Faculty representative on the University Health and Safety Committee. Quarterly meetings by arrangement of the Chair. Membership: Dr A Jardine (Chair) Ms L Hutten Dr V McBride Dr S Chimphango Associate Professor J Gain Dr B Abiodun Mr B Cairns Mr J Gordon Ms M Chauhan Mr J Fearon Dr H Waldron Ms H Gerber Ms L Phigeland Mr M Langley (University Health & Safety Manager) Ms S Key (Occupational Health Nurse) Mr P Byne (Maintenance Manager) -(Chair, SPGSA) -(Chair, SSC) 19

20 11. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE Purpose: To provide guidance to the Faculty on issues relating to information technology, including Faculty SciLabs, and advise the Dean on budget requirements. Functions of the Committee: to act as liaison between the Faculty Board, on the one hand, and the Executive Director for Information, Communication and Technology Services, on the other. to advise the Dean on matters affecting IT in the Faculty of Science to formulate and periodically review Faculty IT policy to assist the Dean's Advisory Committee in budgetary matters relevant to information technology provide oversight of SciLabs. The committee will meet as necessary as determined by the Chair. The Dean (ex officio) Five members of the Faculty Board, nominated by the Dean The Chair of the SCILAB Users Group Dean s representative on IT Users Group (ITUG) A representative from Information Technology Services Two members of the Technical and Scientific staff with special expertise in IT matters The Faculty Manager (Finance) (by invitation) The Dean s nominee. The chair serves on the University IT Users Group (ITUG) Membership: Professor G Jackson (Chair) Associate Professor R Fearick Professor K Naidoo Associate Professor T Verboom Associate Professor M Kuttel Dr H Laurie (SCILAB Chair) Mr C Balfour (T & S staff representative) Mr J Gordon (T & S staff representative) Ms A Hanmer (ICTS) Associate Professor J Gain (Dean s representative on ITUG) By Invitation: Ms S Custers (Faculty Manager Finance) 20

21 12. LIBRARY COMMITTEE Purpose: The purpose of the Faculty Library Committee is, in conjunction with the University Library, to oversee the acquisition of library materials for the Faculty of Science, and to deliberate and report on any other matters concerning the University Library and the Faculty. Functions of the Committee: the Committee reports to the University Library Committee, on matters concerning the University Library and the Faculty s library needs. the Committee may suggest to the University Library the purchase materials of general Faculty interest The committee will meet as necessary as determined by the Chair. The Dean (ex officio) A representative of each Department in the Faculty A representative from the Science and Technology Library The Dean s nominee Membership: Associate Professor S Reid (Chair) Associate Professor A Ianovsky Professor J Bolton Associate Professor J Compton Dr S Daya Mr A Clark Professor C Griffiths Professor M Caira Professor C Reason Associate Professor H Suleman Dr S Chirikuri Professor A Peshier Dr V McBride Ms T Davies (UCT Library representative) 21

22 13. MASTERS DEGREE COMMITTEE Functions: The purpose of the Committee is to oversee procedures for the examination of candidates, and make recommendations to Science Faculty Board on the award of the MSc/MPhil degree. The Deputy Dean (Postgraduate Matters) ordinarily makes a recommendation on the outcome of the Master degree examination process after reading the examiners reports and considering the consolidated recommendation from the Head of Department. Where significant discrepancies occur in the examiners reports, or between the Deputy Dean and Head of Department, a meeting of the Master Degree Committee is called to reach a decision. Dean (ex officio) Deputy Dean (Postgraduate Matters) Deputy Dean (Undergraduate Matters) Relevant Head of Department Optional non-core members: If required, the supervisor(s) in which a student is registered, and the course co-ordinator for MSc by coursework and dissertation programmes, may be co-opted by the committee as non-voting members. The Committee may also consult with one or two members with experience in the subject area of the dissertation, should further arbitration be necessary. The Dean Servicing Officer: Postgraduate Officer Membership: Professor AP le Roex (Dean) Professor S Bourne (Deputy Dean: Undergraduate matters) Associate Professor J O Riain (Deputy Dean: Postgraduate matters) Head of Department 22

23 14. PROMOTION & REMUNERATION COMMITTEE Purpose: The purpose of the Faculty Promotion and Remuneration Committee is to give effect to, and make decisions arising from, the policy on performance management, including the ad hominem promotion of staff in the Faculty. Terms of Reference: The Committee receives applications and nominations for ad hominem promotions and proposals for academic staff to be considered for Merit Awards or Excellence payments and is to: a) consider these b) recommend to the Vice Chancellor the ad hominem promotion of a staff member c) recommend awards for Excellence payments or Merit Award to the DVC responsible for academic matters, for approval by the meeting of the Deans. The Faculty Promotion and Remuneration Committee meets once every year. The Committee is served by four Working Groups for Academic Staff (see below). The Working Groups meet as frequently as necessary prior to the meeting of the Faculty Promotion and Remuneration Committee. Recommendations for ad hominem promotion require a two-thirds majority vote of the Faculty Promotions and Remuneration Committee in support. In addition, it requires the support of two from the group consisting of the Deputy Vice Chancellor and the two other Deans. Recommendations to the Vice Chancellor on ad hominem promotions must contain a copy of the candidate s Curriculum Vitae or Portfolio and the names and addresses of the referees consulted. In the case of a promotion to the rank of a professor, the recommendation must contain the Committee s assessment that it is satisfied as to the international standing of the candidate s scholarship. The Faculty Promotion and Remuneration Committee must arrange for feedback to be given to successful and unsuccessful candidates and the relevant Heads of Departments. An unsuccessful candidate should be given reasons as to why his/her application was not successful. The decision of the Faculty Promotion and Remuneration Committee is final. If there is substantive evidence of unfairness, bias, prejudice or irregularity, an unsuccessful applicant may submit an appeal to the relevant Deputy Vice Chancellor via the Faculty Dean. However, unsuccessful applicants are reminded that the process by which the original decision was reached is extremely rigorous, the latter having been reiteratively reviewed in a series of meetings, the final one of which is attended by a Deputy Vice Chancellor and two Deans from Faculties other than that of the applicant. Appeals will therefore only be considered in the most exceptional circumstances. 23

24 The Dean A Deputy Vice Chancellor, nominated by the Vice Chancellor Two Deans from other Faculties and CHED, nominated by the Vice Chancellor Other members as determined by the Faculty Board. The Faculty Board has given the Dean the authority to nominate members to the Faculty Promotion and Remuneration Committee. The agreed structure of this Core Group is six academic staff in the Faculty of Science, nominated by the Dean, comprising two each from the discipline groupings of Life, Earth & Environmental Sciences, Mathematical, Physical, Computational and Statistical Sciences; and Chemical, Molecular & Cellular Sciences, including a Deputy Dean. The Dean of Science Deputy A faculty member as designated by the Dean Servicing Officer: The Faculty Human Resources Advisor Membership: Details of the membership of the Faculty Promotion and Remuneration Committee, and of the Core Group, and Working Groups will be published annually in a Dean s Circular by not later than mid-year. There are four Working groups reporting to the Faculty Promotion and Remuneration Committee, viz: a) Working Group for Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences b) Working Group for Mathematical, Physical, Computational and Statistical Sciences c) Working Group for Chemical, Molecular and Cellular Sciences d) Working Group for the Rank of Professor The three discipline-based Working Groups consider applications and nominations for promotion to ranks up to and including that of Associate Professor. These Working Groups comprise the Core Group together with the Heads of the constituent Departments of each discipline grouping. The Working Group for the Rank of Professor comprises the Core Group together with the Heads of Departments in which candidates for promotion to Professor are located. Heads attend meetings of the Working Group only for the candidate or candidates from their Department. The Working Group for the Rank of Professor will conduct short interviews with candidates for promotion to Professor. In the event that a Head of Department is a candidate for promotion, the Dean shall appoint a replacement to serve on the relevant Working Group. If there is a situation of conflict between a candidate and his or her Head of Department, the Dean shall nominate a senior member of staff in the same Department or discipline as the applicant, to participate as a member of the Working Group in the consideration of that applicant, and to present the candidate s case. 24

25 15. PHYSICAL PLANNING COMMITTEE Purpose: To provide advice to the Dean on space allocation and refurbishment matters in the Faculty, and to advise the Dean on budget requirements. Functions of the Committee: to consider and make recommendations in respect of Departmental budget requests for minor works, and renewal of space to liaise with Properties and Services with regard to planned and reactive maintenance procedures in the Faculty The Physical Planning Committee shall report to the Faculty Board, via the Dean s Advisory Committee. The Chair of the committee will represent the Faculty on the University Space Allocation Committee. The committee will meet as necessary, as determined by the Chair. Dean (ex officio) Five members of the Faculty Board, nominated by the Dean One member of senior Technical Officers in the Faculty, nominated by the Dean The Faculty Manager (Finance) (by invitation) Head: Physical Planning Unit (co-opted) Project & Engineering Manager: Properties and Services (co-opted) The Dean s nominee Membership: Professor T Egan (Chair) Dr Andrew Hamilton Associate Professor C Gilmour Professor C Harris Professor T Hedderson Associate Professor M Kuttel Ms P Muller By Invitation: Ms S Custers Co-opted members: Mr N Haupt (Director, Physical Planning Unit) Mr C Briers (Project & Engineering Manager: Properties and Services) 25

26 16. READMISSION APPEALS COMMITTEE Status: The Readmission Appeals Committee is a subcommittee of Senate Purpose: To consider and make decisions on the written appeals against exclusion from the Faculty by students who have not met the readmission requirements of the Faculty of Science Functions of the Committee: To consider the mitigating circumstances and arguments presented by students as to why they performed poorly in the preceding year, and should be allowed to re-register in the Faculty, and to set appropriate probationary conditions where supported. Appeals will be considered together with the following documentation: The Faculty s examination schedules (as approved by the Faculty Examination Committee the previous December) A report from the appropriate Academic Programme Committee, providing additional assessment details and comments from tutors and lecturers The student s appeal, set out on a standard form supplied by the Student Records Office, and supporting documentation Where appropriate, evidence of the financial standing of the student, and details of financial aid and bursaries Where appropriate, records of previous appeals and compliance with previous conditions for readmission There will be four meetings of the RAC: The first (early January) will consider students excluded by the FEC in December. The second (late January) will consider applications from students wishing to transfer from other faculties The third (Friday before final week of registration) will consider students who are excluded as a result of failing certain supplementary examinations written in January/February The fourth (immediately prior to the commencement of lectures) will consider applications from students who wish to transfer from other faculties because they have been excluded after failing one or more supplementary examinations written in January/February. The Dean s nominee Three members of the academic staff of the Faculty appointed by the Faculty Board A member of the Faculty Board elected by the SSC A member of staff not of the Faculty, appointed by Senate A member of the CHED staff nominated by the Dean of CHED ED: Student Affairs or nominee Student Development Advisor A member of the SRC, or nominee who is not registered in the Science Faculty 26

27 The Dean s nominee Servicing Officer: Deputy Faculty Manager (Academic) Membership: Dr I Ansorge (Chair) Dr S Chimphango Dr S Chirikuri Associate Professor R Fearick Dr L Roden (Science Student Council nominee) Associate Professor B Davidowitz (CHED) Dr C Landon (ED: Student Affairs nominee) Dr H Scalon (A member of staff from another Faculty) Advisory members: Associate Professor D Gammon (Assistant Dean) Ms K Wienand (Faculty Manager, Academic) Ms B Krishna (Student Development Officer) Senior Student Advisors as required 27

28 17. RESEARCH COMMITTEE Purpose: To advise the Dean on matters affecting research in the Faculty of Science. Functions of the Committee: to consider, and initiate discussion on, broad research policy matters which affect the Faculty of Science and to promote research activities within the Faculty to take responsibility for the data submitted for the annual subsidy count to assist the Dean in budgetary matters relevant to research to consider annual PPI awards and distribution of URC Block Grant. The committee will meet as necessary, as determined by the Chair. The Dean (ex officio) Up to eight members of the Faculty Board Director of Research Office (co-opted) The Dean s nominee Membership: Professor N Illing (Chair) Associate Professor C Clarkson Associate Professor A Hutton Professor G Marsden Dr M Muasya Professor S Parnell Associate Professor R Ackermann Professor C Reason Co-opted member: Dr M Sienaert (Director, Research Office) 28

29 18. RESEARCH ETHICS COMMITTEE Purpose: To consider all ethical matters related to research in the Faculty including but not exclusively, conflicts of interest, authorship, the relationships between junior and senior research workers, research relating to Human subjects, research involving genetically modified organisms or hazardous biological agents, and the role of the scientist in society. Functions of the Committee: to sensitise and educate staff and students in the Faculty on responsible conduct in research with specific reference to the second edition of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering and the Institute of Medicine publication entitled On being a scientist : responsible conduct in research (National Academy Press, Washington DC, 1995) to consider the role of the Faculty Research Ethics Committee in relation to ethical matters that are the business of the University Research Committee, the code of Ethics for Research Committee of the Medical Faculty, and the Science Faculty Animal Care & Use Committee to deal with any ethical issues raised by researchers in the Faculty to screen and approve, or otherwise, all research proposals in the Faculty that relate to human subjects, including questionnaires involving human subjects; this includes proposed research involving students or staff, by UCT researchers or by outside visiting researchers to screen and approve, or otherwise, all research proposals in the Faculty that involve working with genetically modified organisms or hazardous biological materials to report all decisions on the approval, or otherwise, of research involving human subjects to the Senate Ethics in Research Committee to report all instances of unethical or improper research practice to the Dean for referral to the Chair of the University Research Committee. The Committee meets as necessary as determined by the Chair. Up to eight members of the Faculty Board, nominated by the Dean Chair of the Faculty Biological Safety Committee The Dean s nominee. The Chair serves as a member of the Senate Ethics in Research Committee. Membership: Professor R Hill (Chair) Professor M Meadows Professor E Blake Dr S Daya Professor T Dunne Professor CL Griffiths Dr R Hill Associate Professor DS Jacobs Professor J Sealy Dr L Roden (Chair Biological Safety Committee) 29